Erik Cantu: San Antonio teen fighting for life after cop James Brennand shot him multiple times
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: Erik Cantu,17, who was shot at multiple times by a rookie cop while he was in his car at a McDonald's, is now on life support. According to reports, several of his organs were punctured in the incident.
Cantu's family provided an update through their legal representative Brian Powers, as per TMZ. The teenager had underwent multiple surgeries to repair the major organs that sustained the most damage as a result of the horrific gunfire.
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Cantu is now being closely monitored by doctors as his lungs are kept functional using a system. Doctors have administered sedatives to keep him unconscious as it would help with any pain or discomfort that he might face if he was awake.
Recovery is going to be an uphill battle for young Cantu. However, his family is positive and hope to see him pull through soon. They were also thankful to everyone for keeping their son in their prayers and ask for the love to keep coming during this turbulent time.
The ghastly attack, that took place on October 2, was captured on police bodycam. The footage showed San Antonio PD Officer James Brennand asking him to get out of his car. When Cantu reverses the car looking surprised at being called, Brennand shot at him multiple times, while the boy was notably unarmed. The policeman was said to have come to the crime scene on some other unrelated business. However, Cantu had reportedly evaded the officer once before on another matter, which could have provoked such a reaction.
Brennand has been with the San Antonio PD for a little less than a year and was subsequently fired after the incident. "Nothing that that officer did that night were in accordance with our training or our policies," said police chief William McManus.
According to CBS Cantu's close friend, George Ramos, said, "It was absolutely heartbreaking. When I saw that video, it just made me break down. He's inspired me so much to be a better person." He added, "He's also positive and motivated and ambitious and happy. To see him laying there helpless, it's just so much emotions. I'm just trying to be as strong as I possibly can."